12.03.2026 20:11
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan presented the Atatürk International Peace Award to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Erdoğan expressed great satisfaction for Guterres's efforts in establishing peace and security. Guterres stated that he was honored to accept this award and emphasized that peace is a choice that develops through preference and international cooperation.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made statements during the presentation of the Atatürk International Peace Award to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Guterres at the Beştepe National Exhibition Hall.
Highlights from President Erdoğan's statements:
"I AM VERY PLEASED TO PRESENT IT TO MY VALUED FRIEND"
Mr. Guterres' visit to our country has always carried a special significance and meaning. He made his first bilateral visit to Turkey after assuming the position of Secretary-General in 2017. We have witnessed together his contributions to the protection of refugees, the implementation of projects aimed at establishing global justice, and his shuttle diplomacy in the context of the war in Ukraine during each of his visits. I am very pleased to present the Atatürk International Peace Award to my valued friend, who is the voice of the silent majority in establishing peace and security.
I would like to particularly express that I find it meaningful for him to come to our country every year as part of solidarity visits with Muslims on the occasion of Ramadan. Today, I thank him for his countless efforts regarding foreign hostility and discrimination, which threaten the peace we strive for. We continue to keep the principle of 'Peace at Home, Peace in the World,' inherited from the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, at the center of our foreign policy with a proactive, dynamic, and enterprising understanding.
"I WOULD LIKE TO ESPECIALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE RIGHTS OF MY VALUED FRIEND GUTERRES"
Wherever there is drama, tragedy, or tears, we strive to alleviate it. I would like to especially acknowledge the rights of my valued friend Guterres. He was a visitor who prioritized peace, dialogue, and prosperity even before he took on the role he has successfully fulfilled for nine years. As Prime Minister of Portugal, he contributed to the increase of prosperity in his country and the establishment of democracy, earning the trust of his people. During his ten-year tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, he made great efforts to ensure that displaced persons are treated with dignity and protected.
We have deepened Turkey's contributions in all areas during Mr. Guterres' work as Secretary-General. We have been in close dialogue with the Secretary-General regarding issues threatening peace in our region and the world. We have been pleased to see that our consultations and efforts have sometimes yielded results even under the most challenging conditions. The Black Sea grain initiative, which we have worked intensively on, has succeeded in preventing a global food crisis. We continue our close cooperation with the UN in efforts to rebuild peace in Ukraine and end the war.
"THE STANCE HE DISPLAYED IN GAZA WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED WITH PRAISE"
In these difficult days when our region has turned into a fire circle, I want to emphasize how valuable I find the Secretary-General's calls for diplomacy and dialogue. As Turkey, we are conducting intense diplomacy regarding Iran, which is trying to lead our geography into disaster. We will continue to work patiently and resolutely. The stance the Secretary-General displayed in Gaza, where one of the greatest atrocities of our time is taking place, will always be remembered with praise. In this brutality, where our humanitarian values are being tested, the Secretary-General has strongly upheld his principled stance and has never compromised on his determination to work towards a two-state solution.
The protection of refugees has also been another area where we have worked in close cooperation. I want to emphasize that this will not be forgotten. I would like to thank the UN organization, represented by the Secretary-General, for extending a helping hand to us in the difficult days we experienced after the disaster of the century, supporting the healing of our wounds. I have personally witnessed that the Secretary-General works with great dedication to leave a livable world for future generations. I would like to particularly emphasize the importance of the initiatives he has launched in the fight against climate change. As Turkey, we are preparing to host the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2026.
"WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ALL INITIATIVES AIMED AT TRANSFORMING THE UN INTO A MORE INCLUSIVE STRUCTURE"
Every event and crisis we experience confirms the validity of our assertion that the world is greater than five, which we articulated 13 years ago. As a leader who believes that there can be no development, peace, or stability in the world without justice, we will continue to support all initiatives aimed at transforming the UN into a more inclusive structure. I believe that your principled and selfless efforts to overcome humanitarian crises, especially in Gaza, are in extraordinary harmony with the spirit, meaning, and goals of this exceptional award of ours. I salute the UN personnel who selflessly serve for peace under challenging conditions around the world and respectfully remember the UN staff who lost their lives.
GUTERRES: I AM HONORED TO ACCEPT THIS AWARD
During the ceremony, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also made statements. Guterres' statements are as follows: Mr. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, I thank you, the Turkish government, and the people. Along with this gratitude, I also feel a responsibility here. I am aware that this award coincides with a time when suffering is experienced in other parts of this region. Trust in global cooperation is diminishing. The Atatürk Award shows that peace is something beyond a noble vision. Peace is a call to gather, a call to action. I am honored to accept this award. I would also like to accept it on behalf of UN staff.
Many women and men are working to promote peace. They are bringing aid to the most challenging places in the world. They are trying to maintain peace with ceasefires. Human rights defenders and development experts empower communities and protect rights. This award also honors them. I would like to respectfully commemorate the UN staff who have lost their lives, especially the hundreds of UN staff who have died in Gaza. The meaning of this award cannot be separated from the life and legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
"THE VISION OF PEACE AT HOME, PEACE IN THE WORLD REFLECTS THE SPIRIT OF THE UN CHARTER VERY WELL"
Atatürk understood that peace does not arise by chance. Peace is a choice. It is a choice that develops through international cooperation. The vision of peace at home, peace in the world reflects the spirit of the UN Charter very well. Atatürk's dedication to social progress, equality, and prosperity finds itself within the UN mission. This legacy continues to live today through the Turkish people. That is why I wanted to be here with you during this blessed Ramadan. I have always had a Ramadan tradition at the UN. I have gone to Muslim communities and shared iftar with them. Compassion, community, and empathy. I felt that I should make my solidarity visit to Turkey during this Ramadan. I came to draw attention to the noble spirit of the Turkish people.
"I CONSTANTLY SEE THAT THE PEOPLE OF TURKEY ARE LIVING UP TO ATATÜRK'S LEGACY"
Millions of people have fled to Turkey from violence and oppression.
Turkey ranks first in this regard. During my visits to places like Mardin, Şanlıurfa, and Gaziantep, the local communities provided security and hope to those people. As the Secretary-General, I constantly see that the people of Turkey are realizing Atatürk's legacy. After the major earthquakes, not only Turkey but also UN teams worked together in Syria. Turkey's leadership has been very helpful in stabilizing food markets, such as the Black Sea grain initiative. I have also seen the steps taken with the zero waste initiative. I would like to thank the lady.
I would like to thank Turkey for its mediation regarding the ceasefire in Gaza. There can be no justification for the horrific attack that occurred on October 7. There can be no justification for the collective punishment of the Palestinian people either. The massacre in Gaza was a peak I have never witnessed. Palestinians are experiencing great tragedy, and there are many restrictions on humanitarian aid. International law must be respected. The occupation must end. We must always look to the political horizon. There is no solution other than a two-state solution.
There is a lot of talk about peace, but we see very little peace. It increases the risk of violence, and military spending is also rising significantly. While all this is happening, civilians are paying the price. The military attacks carried out by the US and Israel, followed by Iran's attacks on many countries, pose a great threat to international peace and security. The region is on the brink of a breaking point, and the consequences are affecting the entire world. Trade is being disrupted. The region and the world must change this situation; reducing violence and dialogue will be the best starting point.
"PEACE CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED WHEN COMMITMENTS ARE MADE AND COMMON RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ASSUMED"
Perhaps we need to remember the lesson humanity has learned about compromise, as we come together in the spirit of peace. People have chosen dialogue, and the Treaty of Kadesh was made. The replica of this agreement is found in the Security Council. Every day, diplomats pass by it. Peace can truly be achieved when commitments are made and common responsibilities are assumed. The Treaty of Kadesh still lives among those who work on these bridges. This award is actually a message to the UN and all peace advocates. A message to stand against cynicism, skepticism, division, and despair. To emerge from this period with solidarity and determination and to carry forward Atatürk's vision. Let us all give peace a chance.